The Karate Kid

Remakes are generally considered terrible, rip-offs of the original aside from small changes. It was a great surprise when the remake of the Karate Kid was received so positively. The film itself has a few flaws, but is a nice tip off to the original (aside from the use of Kung Fu, not karate). After the MASSIVE success of Avatar (and the instant popularity of the soundtrack), everyone was surprised to see James Horner tackle The Karate Kid, no less. Whether his work was really up to standards with the recent Avatar is a real subject of debate. Regardless, Horner's material for The Karate Kid is an interesting take on the subject.

One of the score's most noticeable elements (which can be considered a positive and a detractor at the same time) is the lack of Asian influence. Generally, a score like this would involve Asian instruments and styles. Horner, however, drops that in lieu of traditional film music. The theme for the film sounds alot like the theme for Avatar, heard primarily in 'Hans Kung Fu', 'Jacket on, Jacket Off', 'Hard Training', 'From Master to Student to Master', and exploding full force in 'Final Contest' (and occasionaly hinted at throughout the rest of the score). One of the score's highlights coems with 'Journey to the Spiritual Mountain'. In it, Horner uses alot of the Asian influence that was missing from the rest of the score. He also includes some great orchestral work woven in. An interesting choice as well in the score comes with 'Backseat Beating'. It uses pounding guitars and synth.

The biggest issue with Horner's work on The Karate Kid is that it really is generic. The soundtrack borrows from alot of Horner's other works and really doesn't throw anything interesting out there. At times, however, the music becomes very powerful and does manage to shine when it wants to. Not a bad Horner score by any means, but there are some that are so much better.